From Jamaica to Trinidad and Tobago to Haiti, the rhythms of the Caribbean have traveled far beyond island shores — carried by generations of families who form a vibrant diaspora rooted in shared history and cultural pride.
For Black History Month, Grand Avenue Elementary School embraced that heritage with “Colors of the Caribbean: A J'ouvert Celebration.” on Feb. 11 in the auditorium making sure the school’s diverse student body felt seen and represented.
Megan Sadlon-Williams, the program director, organized the celebration, beginning preparations in November with a committee, the Equity Warriors Club, parents and teachers.
“We have so many kids from so many different countries, we wanted to make sure everyone felt represented,” Sadlon-Williams said.
As part of the initiative, the school also created a “choice board” family project, encouraging students to explore and share their heritage and where their families come from.
Students in pre-K, first, second, third and fifth grade classes took the stage to perform traditional Caribbean songs, including “Give Me Soca” by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, “Coconut Is Everywhere” by Owarikids and “Toast” by Koffee. Many of the performances were inspired by Caribbean carnival traditions, incorporating soca music, calypso rhythms and colorful movement.
The pre-K class opened the program with a soca parade, walking down the aisle with flags and noisemakers. Other grades performed choreographed dances, with the fifth grade helping create its own routine, while Sadlon-Williams choreographed the remaining performances.
Masks decorated the auditorium, created in art class through the school’s equity budget. Though limited, the funding allowed students to explore color, symbolism and Caribbean artistic traditions.
Each performance reflected lessons about different Caribbean countries, highlighting how language, music, history and customs vary from island to island while still sharing common cultural roots.
“People sometimes don’t know the history of slavery in the Caribbean islands as well,” Sadlon-Williams said. “And for them to celebrate freedom from that – diaspora is the best word for that. It was a celebration of freedom; joy and the vibes were high.”
Sadlon-Williams said preparing for the event also meant learning alongside her students.
“I like to think we all try to have our culture energy in music class,” she said. “I draw in from their culture, their background – I learned so much, when we do Hispanic heritage month.
The music teacher taught herself latin American dances. She said she learned them to to help celebrate it.”
“But I had to learn more about soca to prepare students,” she added.“Im learning along side them.”
Students also shared what they learned through the celebration.
“I learned during a special carnival celebration is called J’ouvert, it’s a French word and the meaning is daybreak,” said Gabby Reyes-Gonzalez a fifth grade student.
“When other people share their culture, it is a fun way to express themselves,” I don’t get why some people would be treated unfairly when they are celebrating, some people might be from America and some people might be from South America – if they celebrate, what’s wrong with that,” she said confidently.
